Ars Nova Workshop presents the Philadelphia edition of The Jazz Gallery’s ongoing Mentoring Series, pairing renowned drummer Marcus Gilmore and pianist David Virelles with up-and-coming bassist Ryoma Takenaga, at Solar Myth on Saturday, November 28, 2026.

The Jazz Gallery is America’s premier performance venue for emerging artists who challenge convention, take creative risks and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. The cultural center developed its Mentorship Program to cultivate a group of senior-level jazz musicians as mentors and to provide aspiring musicians with the opportunity to learn the music and business of jazz under the guidance of their contemporary heroes. Ars Nova Workshop is proud to partner with The Jazz Gallery to help bring this vital initiative to a wider audience.

Marcus Gilmore is a multi-Grammy award winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator, integrating a unique style where he is musically expanding rhythm while supporting the great musicians with whom he plays. He has performed and recorded with a staggering range of artists including Mulatu Astatke, Chick Corea, Pharoah Sanders, Savion Glover, Pat Metheny, Ambrose Akinmusire, Ravi Coltrane, Common, Flying Lotus, Black Thought, and Fred Armisen. He’s mentoring the rising star bassist Ryoma Takenaga, most recently heard on a trio of breathtaking Village Vanguard recordings by the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, released earlier this year via Blue Note. They will be joined by David Virelles, Cuban pianist who has performed and recorded with Henry Threadgill, Andrew Cyrille, Paul Motian, Tomasz Stanko and Ravi Coltrane, alongside developing a variety of solo projects. Virelles is a Steinway Artist and a Guggenheim Fellow.